This easy Baked Goat Cheese recipe uses just three ingredients and takes just minutes to throw together. Serve on top of crostini, garlic bread or as a goat cheese dip!
There's an appetizer at Mon Ami Gabi that must be ordered every time I walk through their front door.
Along with Mussels Marinière and Wild Escargots de Bourgogne is the Baked Goat Cheese Dip - all three are top choices and have been enjoyed over many a happy hour. But the Baked Goat Cheese tends to be the one that ends up on our table whether anyone is hungry or not - no one can resist it.
The buttery, garlicky baguette used to scoop up the soft goat cheese and silky tomato sauce makes an irresistible combination. Add a glass of white wine and I may never leave.
So I decided to create my own easy recipe for baked goat cheese at home. It's slightly different in that I chose to use a chunky marinara and some crunchy crostini in place of the garlic bread but oh! is it good. Soft, smooth, warm goat cheese and bubbling marinara - all in under 30 minutes (25 of which is baking time!) - makes for a mouthwatering appetizer that's perfect for almost any gathering.
Baked Goat Cheese Ingredients
- Goat Cheese: Also known as Chèvre in French, use any brand of goat cheese you prefer. I prefer fresh chèvre in log form.
- Marinara Sauce: Marinara is a traditional Italian tomato sauce often made with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, garlic, basil and other herbs.
- Basil: A little green to garnish that also adds a sweet, peppery flavor with hints of mint.
- Salt: Any coarse salt such as kosher or sea salt will work.
(Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe card with detailed recipe instructions.)
How to Make Baked Goat Cheese
With just three ingredients this easy appetizer (or dip) comes together in just 5 minutes, plus bake time.
- Press the goat cheese to fit the shape of your dish with spacing around the edge.
- Gently spoon the marinara around the border and sprinkle salt.
- Bake until the goat cheese is warm and soft and the marinara is hot and bubbling.
How to Serve Hot Goat Cheese
- Chevre-and-bread: Spread over baguette slices or crostini.
- Goat Cheese Dip: Serve as a dip with raw veggies (celery, carrots, bell pepper, endive leaves etc.), crusty bread, crackers, bagel chips, pita chips and much more.
- Stuffed garlic bread: This stuffed garlic bread recipe is perfect with the baked goat cheese and highly recommended.
- Use it with this stuffed zucchini recipe.
Goat Cheese Tips & Variations
- I like to spoon the marinara just on the outside for a prettier presentation but you could cover the goat cheese completely if you prefer. It will bake up bubbly and delicious no matter how you prepare it!
- It's best to let your goat cheese soften a bit before spreading in your dish. You can skip it if you're in a rush but goat cheese is much more spreadable when soft.
- Make it spicy with jalapeno, red pepper flakes or mix the marinara with Calabrian chili paste.
- Add bacon, olives or cherry tomatoes to the marinara sauce.
- Make it creamier and substitute the marinara sauce for vodka sauce.
- Add a dollop of basil pesto on top
- I use plain goat cheese but feel free to experiment with flavored goat cheese varieties.
- Serve in a slow cooker or Crock Pot to keep warm, if you prefer.
Make Ahead
This dish can be prepared and baked right before serving, simply mix everything together, cover and store in the refrigerator up to a day ahead. When ready, bake and serve!
Baked Goat Cheese
Just 3 ingredients to a bubbling hot, cheesy Baked Goat Cheese appetizer! This stuffed garlic bread recipe is perfect with it.
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz log goat cheese (softened)
- 1 small box or jar marinara sauce (about 2 cups)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (cut into ribbons)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- In a small baking dish, press the goat cheese to fit the shape of your dish, leaving a 1-inch border around edge. Gently spoon the marinara around the border, taking care to cover the edge of goat cheese but not the middle (see photo). Sprinkle with the salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the goat cheese is warm and soft and the marinara is hot and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the basil. Serve immediately with crostini or garlic bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 167Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 537mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 11g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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Jasmine says
I'm sure many would be aghast, but as it looks like the baking is only meant to make things hot and bubbly, is this something that could be prepared in the microwave? It doesn't seem the oven is contributing very much to flavor, and I'd rather not heat up the whole oven for one serving.
Mary Ippolito says
I was thinking of using my mini crock pot. Just wondering how long it would take to cook.
Kristy Bernardo says
I'm not sure as I haven't tested it, but I would think that an hour on high would do the trick. Let us know if you try it and how it works out!
Glenna says
Can I use a flavored goat cheese? Thinking garlic and herb?
Kristy says
I haven't tried it with flavored cheese but I'm sure it would be delicious!
Rachel says
Hey there! Your photos & description of this recipe look wonderful, but it looks like something is wrong with the recipe card! The recipe card isn't showing up, it just has "[wprm-recipe id="21198"]" in its place. Just wanted to let you know!
Kristy says
Thank you SO much for letting me know! I just fixed it 🙂
Mary says
I love this dish at Mon Ami Gabi and would love to make this at home. Does your ingredient list call for 'One 8 oz log goat cheese' or '18 oz log goat cheese' ? Thanks!
Kristy Bernardo says
Hi Mary! That's ONE 8oz log. Cheers!
Bob Gallup says
I was just at that restaurant a few weeks ago and had the Baked Goat Cheese appetizer. thanks for your recipe. I was going to try to figure it.
Kristy Bernardo says
They've since discontinued it at my location so now I'm super glad to have it!
Dee-Anne says
I was running late for a party that I needed to bring and appetizer to. I was looking for something simple with ingredients I already had at home and came across this. On my way out the door and can't wait to try it!
Kristy Bernardo says
So glad I could help - hope you loved it!
Carrie Pacini says
Your baked goat cheese dip looks fantastic and easy to pull together!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks so much, Carrie!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I can't believe how simple this is! What a great appetizer and so original. Love it!
the wicked noodle says
Thank you, Toni!
susan @ the wimpy vegetarian says
Love this!!! Perfect for a summer party. Or any other time of year 🙂
the wicked noodle says
Thank you, Susan!
Ginny McMeans says
This is so easy and so many people are going to love it! Thanks!
the wicked noodle says
You're welcome, thanks for the comment 🙂
Sherri@The Well Floured Kitchen says
This looks amazing and so simple too! Pinned!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks so much, Sherri!